What is the difference between n8n and Activepieces?

n8n is best for Technical users who want self-hosted automation with code escape hatches, while Activepieces is best for Teams wanting open-source workflow automation. n8n starts at Free (self-hosted) and Activepieces starts at Free.

Is n8n or Activepieces cheaper?

n8n starts at Free (self-hosted) and is free. Activepieces starts at Free and is free.

Is there a free alternative to Activepieces?

Both n8n and Activepieces offer free tiers.

n8n vs Activepieces

n8n is open-source workflow automation with a visual editor. Self-hostable with code flexibility, while Activepieces is open-source automation platform with a visual builder, 100+ integrations, and self-hosting option. n8n is built for technical users who want self-hosted automation with code escape hatches, whereas Activepieces targets teams wanting open-source workflow automation.

At a glance

	n8n	Activepieces
Best for	Technical users who want self-hosted automation with code escape hatches	Teams wanting open-source workflow automation
Starting price	Free (self-hosted)	Free
Free tier	✓	✓
Open source	✓	✓
Free tier available	✓	✓
Open source	✓	✓
100+ Integrations	—	✓
Code Steps	—	✓
Custom Code	✓	—
Open Source	✓	—
Self-Hosted	✓	✓
Visual Builder	—	✓
Visual Editor	✓	—
Webhooks	✓	—

n8n

Strengths

Open source and self-hostable
Can write custom code within workflows
No per-execution pricing (self-hosted)
Growing integration library

Weaknesses

Requires technical setup if self-hosting
Smaller app library than Zapier/Make
Cloud version is relatively expensive
UI less polished than commercial alternatives

Try n8n → Full review

Activepieces

Strengths

Open source and transparent
Includes Visual Builder as a core feature, purpose-built for automation workflows
Fully open-source — you can self-host, audit the code, and avoid vendor lock-in
The core product is free with no paywalled essentials

Weaknesses

May lack some advanced features
Self-hosting is free but requires server maintenance and DevOps knowledge
Self-hosting requires Linux admin skills and ongoing server maintenance
Complex automations can break silently if a connected service changes its API

Try Activepieces → Full review

The bottom line

Pricing: Both n8n and Activepieces are free, so this decision comes down to features and philosophy rather than budget.

Feature gaps: n8n offers Custom Code, Open Source and Visual Editor that Activepieces lacks. Activepieces brings 100+ Integrations, Code Steps and Visual Builder that n8n does not have. Both share Self-Hosted.

Team fit: Both tools target small teams teams, so the decision hinges on features and workflow fit rather than scale.

Open source: Both n8n and Activepieces are open source, so self-hosting and code audits are on the table with either choice.

Where each tool shines: n8n's biggest strengths are: open source and self-hostable. can write custom code within workflows. Activepieces's biggest strengths are: open source and transparent. includes visual builder as a core feature, purpose-built for automation workflows.

Watch out for: With n8n, users commonly note that requires technical setup if self-hosting. With Activepieces, the main complaint is that may lack some advanced features.

Choose n8n if...

You need a tool built for technical users who want self-hosted automation with code escape hatches
You specifically need Custom Code and Open Source
You care about can write custom code within workflows

Choose Activepieces if...

Your profile matches its sweet spot: teams wanting open-source workflow automation
You specifically need 100+ Integrations and Code Steps
You care about includes visual builder as a core feature, purpose-built for automation workflows